the Cost of Gel Nails

For my sister's wedding all eight of her bridesmaids went to a local nail salon for gel nails. I had never had gel nails before, although I had acrylic and light concept nails before. After waiting over an hour for my named to be called, and dealing with other clients children running around like savages (can't these mothers read the homemade signs on cardboard that say "please control your children for their own safety", I was escorted to a computer chair at a portable nail station in the back of the salon. The nails were put on in the same fashion that the acrylic nails were. The only difference I noticed was that once the nail tech. completed the french manicure paint she applied a thick, clear "gel" over top of the completed nail. I was then told to sit with my hands under a light for ten minutes so my nails could set up correctly. It was nice of the employees to set out magazines for their customers at this station; however, your finger nails are wet, so assuming that you become interested in a story you are unable to turn the page and complete it. I guess there was not a lot of thought behind that.

The salon was just like hundreds of salons around the country. The staff was friendly enough and the salon as clean and as comfortable as the other similar salons I had been to. I felt slightly uncomfortable when the staff began speaking in their native language, it's hard to not feel uncomfortable when you are unaware of what is going on around you. However, I was not completely ignored by the young woman who was completing my set of nails. As I stated I had never had gel nails before and because they were slightly more expensive than acrylic I assumed they would be of better quality. However, after spending nearly twenty minutes under the light to dry my nails, that should have only taken ten, I still smudged the think gel substance, that was slathered over top of my new set of nails, on the door handle of my car. I also noticed that the french manicure nail polish job did not last as long as it does on the acrylic nails. I work in a field where I do a lot of typing and computer work and the gel began to rub of almost right away followed by the white polished tips. So withing a week I was left with nails that has tips that were spotted with white and clear spots.

I personally prefer light concept nails, every time I have had them put on I was charged forty dollars plus tip, but I can testify that it is worth it. Given the choice between acrylic and gel nails I would go for acrylic every time. Although the gel nails are very pretty and shine at first after you walk out of the salon you might as well forget about it. For the additional money for this type it truly isn't worth it, I say go for the acrylic and save the ten dollars for an ice cream cone on your way home... now thats treating yourself.